Gift for Lifehttp://www.giftforlife.org
Gift for life, a partnership between gift, home, and stationery industries to raise funds supporting HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and education.Tue, 08 Aug 2017 12:12:56 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.9http://www.giftforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cropped-logo-gfl-32x32.jpgGift for Lifehttp://www.giftforlife.org
3232A Sneak Peek at 2017’s Up on the Roofhttp://www.giftforlife.org/2017/08/08/a-sneak-peek-at-2017s-up-on-the-roof/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/08/08/a-sneak-peek-at-2017s-up-on-the-roof/#respondTue, 08 Aug 2017 12:10:46 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1336Take a look at 2017’s Up on the Roof event, held Monday, July 31 during Las Vegas Market.

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/08/08/a-sneak-peek-at-2017s-up-on-the-roof/feed/0Beekman Boys to Receive Industry Achievement Awardhttp://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/21/beekman-boys-to-receive-industry-achievement-award/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/21/beekman-boys-to-receive-industry-achievement-award/#respondFri, 21 Jul 2017 20:13:46 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1282May 3, 2017 — Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charitable organization, has announced the Beekman Boys will be honored with the Gift for Life 2017 Industry Achievement Award during Gifts and Decorative Accessories’ 66th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards, taking place on Sunday, August 20, 2017, in New York City. The award, which recognizes overall excellence and contribution to the gift and home industry, will be presented to The Beekman Boys – Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, founders of lifestyle brand Beekman 1802.

The Beekman 1802 brand includes signature beauty, home and food products available at leading retailers including Henri Bendel, Anthropologie, Williams-Sonoma and other partners. Their hit television show, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, was followed by popular The Beekman 1802 cookbooks, and their memoir of farm life, The Bucolic Plague, was a national best seller.

“Our company was founded as a reflection of the strong spirit of community that surrounds us all,” said founders Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge. “Gift for Life’s supports for DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is very special to us. We are proud to accept this award because of our shared values.”

“We honor The Beekman Boys not merely for their brand’s influence and success,” said George Kacic, chair of the Gift for Life board. “Their mission of good design, function, generosity and care is a reminder to us all about what matters most for our businesses and our lives. Their story is compelling because it has heart and it’s an example of creating products with purpose.”

The Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award will be presented to The Beekman Boys at the 66th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards (REAs), on Sunday, August 20, at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York. Hosted by Gifts and Decorative Accessories, the Retailer Excellence Awards recognize excellence in retailing and individual achievement. During this festive industry gathering, 2016 finalists will be recognized, retail category winners will be announced and special recognition awards will be presented. Tickets, which are $185 each including cocktails and dinner, are available through www.giftsanddec.com.

Each year, Gift for Life hosts events throughout the U.S. benefitting DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to eradicate the AIDS pandemic in the U.S. Working together, Gift for Life and DIFFA will continue to raise funds for HIV/AIDS service and education programs. For additional information please visit www.giftforlife.org. Follow Gift for Life’s efforts via its free e-newsletter, available at http://www.giftforlife.org/about_gfl/press-releases-and-newsletters/.

ABOUT GIFT FOR LIFE and DIFFA

Gift for Life unites the gift and home industries against AIDS with more than $5 million raised since its inception in 1992. In 2008, Gift for Life selected DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., as its main charity partner. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $40 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org and at www.diffa.org.

# # #

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/21/beekman-boys-to-receive-industry-achievement-award/feed/0Donny Osmond to serve as auctioneer for ‘Up on the Roof’http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/17/donny-osmond-to-serve-as-auctioneer-for-up-on-the-roof/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/17/donny-osmond-to-serve-as-auctioneer-for-up-on-the-roof/#respondMon, 17 Jul 2017 13:56:31 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1265July 17, 2017 – Las Vegas Market has announced that Donny Osmond, celebrity entertainer, former teen heartthrob and home products licensor, will serve as a live auctioneer at its 7th annual “Up on the Roof” fundraiser benefiting Gift For Life, on Monday, July 31, 2017, at the Summer 2017 Las Vegas Market. In addition to live auction items, the annual gift and home industry fundraiser also will feature a variety of Las Vegas themed silent auction prizes.

“Las Vegas Market is thrilled that Donny Osmond will join us as a special guest and live auctioneer at our annual Gift For Life fundraiser,” said Dorothy Belshaw, president of Gift Leasing and Chief Marketing Officer, International Market Centers. “As the nation’s fastest growing gift and home décor market, Las Vegas Market is proud to support the industry’s charitable efforts by hosting our annual ‘Up on The Roof’ fundraiser, which has raised more than $70,000 to date for HIV/AIDS direct care, prevention, education services and advocacy.

Known for his work as a singer, actor, radio personality and all-around entertainer, Osmond will host a live auction during the fundraiser. Auction prizes will include two pairs of tickets to the award-winning “Donny & Marie Show” – at Donny’s personal table plus a meet and greet – at the Flamingo Las Vegas (valued at $750 per pair). In the 90-minute show, he and his younger sister, Marie, backed by eight dancers and a nine-piece band reprise their fabulously successful TV variety series, which ran on ABC from 1976 to 1979. He will also auction some signed memorabilia from Donny Osmond, as well rocker Jon Bon Jovi.

Osmond also will live auction a selection of Donny Osmond Home licensed merchandise from three Las Vegas Market showrooms – Art Trends, Coaster Company of America and Rizzy Home – and other licensees. Donny Osmond Home by Donny and Debbie Osmond celebrates life and love with the tag line, “Making Home and Family #1” with products that enhance harmony at home and encourage family togetherness. Live auction items donated by four of the brand’s eight licensees are:

Coaster Company of America (‘Houndstooth Accent Chair, valued at $380);

Rizzy Home (King-size quilt and four décor pillows set, valued at $499).

In addition to the live auction by Osmond, the event also will feature a silent auction, offering a spectacular selection of nine Las Vegas-themed items, including tickets to see celebrity magicians Penn & Teller, hotel giveaways, dinners, spa packages, show tickets and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Silent auction items include:

Three nights in a luxury suite at the Venetian/Palazzo, including limousine transportation to and from McCarran Airport, and two Canyon Ranch Spa Services (up to $185 each) valued at $1,100.

Two nights in a Rush Tower Junior Suite at the Golden Nugget, including two tickets to a show in the Golden Nugget showroom and a $100 dining credit at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, valued at $650.

Two nights in a Select Premier View Room at the Stratosphere, including dinner for two at McCall’s Heartland Grill, free ride tickets to X-Scram, Insanity and the Big Shot, plus complimentary fitness center and admission to the Stratosphere Tower, valued at $500.

Two nights in a Terrace Studio Suite at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, valued at $400.

Two nights at the Las Vegas Marriott, valued at $350.

Two nights at Springhill Suites, including daily breakfast buffet, valued at $350.

Two nights in a World Traditional Room at SLS Las Vegas, valued at $350.

Las Vegas Gift Basket from Connections Housing, valued at $200.

Four tickets to Penn & Teller at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, valued at $376.00

Held annually at the Summer Market, the popular Up on the Roof fundraiser typically draws a crowd of more than 300 industry executives, who join together to eat, drink, dance, network and raise funds for the industry’s charity in a superb setting, the WorldView Ballroom on the 16th Floor of Building B. The 2017 Up On the Roof event will be held on Monday, July 31,6:00pm – 8:00pm. Party-goers will enjoy a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, the silent auction and entertainment by award-winning singer/songwriter Chadwick Johnson, known for his soulful, unique interpretations of popular songs, as well as his original compositions.

Up on the Roof tickets, which cost $25 each, or five for $100, may be purchased online at https://upontheroof.splashthat.com/, and at specially-designated kiosks on site in the Grand Plaza, C10 and in the Pavilions during Las Vegas Market. All guests will receive one raffle ticket with each ticket purchased and can buy additional raffle tickets at the auction. All proceeds will benefit Gift for Life, which raises funds to benefit DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS and its funding for HIV/AIDS service, education, prevention and advocacy programs across the U.S.

Las Vegas Market is the fastest growing gift and home décor market in the U.S. and the leading furniture marketplace in the western U.S. With a record 4,000+ lines, the Market will feature its largest ever number of resources, with greater breadth and depth and exclusive collections across all categories, including major launches for the bedding industry. The Summer 2017 Las Vegas Market runs July 30-August 3. For more information, visit: www.lasvegasmarket.com.

About International Market Centers, L.P.
Las Vegas Market is produced by International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC), the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. International Market Centers owns and operates 12.1 million square feet of world-class exhibition space in High Point, N.C. and Las Vegas. IMC’s mission is to build and operate an innovative, sustainable, profitable and scalable platform for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. For more information on IMC, visit http://imcenters.com/.

ABOUT GIFT FOR LIFE and DIFFA
Gift for Life unites the gift and home industries against AIDS with more than $5 million raised since its inception in 1992. In 2008, Gift for Life selected DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., as its sole charity partner. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $42 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. With help from Gift for Life, in 2016, DIFFA National granted more than $333,000 to 26 organizations providing treatment, education, prevention and advocacy. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/17/donny-osmond-to-serve-as-auctioneer-for-up-on-the-roof/feed/0Gift for Life Adds Four to Board of Directorshttp://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/11/gift-for-life-adds-four-to-board-of-directors/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/11/gift-for-life-adds-four-to-board-of-directors/#respondTue, 11 Jul 2017 13:34:55 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1256Gift for Life has announced that industry veterans Doug Self, Russ Jones, Deb Swisher, and Chad Howard have joined its board of directors.

“These new board members are true industry leaders with a wealth of talent,” said George Kacic, chair of the Gift for Life Board. “We are honored to welcome them and to put them to work at industry events across the U.S., spreading the word and raising funds in support of Gift for Life’s critical mission.”

Doug Self is Founder and President of JDouglas (jdouglas.com), a to-the-trade multi-brand sales agency he launched in 2001 with a showroom and corporate offices at AmericasMart as well as an additional showroom in High Point, N.C. JDouglas services 13 states in the Southeast exclusively with some of the finest brands in the home industry. He currently serves on the AmericasMart Advisory Board and is a member of Accessories Resource Team (ART). In 2016, he was awarded the GHTA/Gift for Life Honor of Excellence at ICON Honors. As well, he is the founder and owner of Provision Oxford (provisionoxford.com), a retail lifestyle boutique in Oxford, MS. Said Doug, “I am looking forward to working with everyone on the Gift for Life board. We can accomplish a lot, and I am hopeful of contributing to advancing this organization.”

Russ Jones is Luxe Home & Hospitality Representative for Ivystone. Russ had a successful career in showbiz as a singer/dancer on Broadway before he opened and ran a gift store called Flights of Fancy for 10 years on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Russ has worked with Ivystone for the last 12 years as a home & hospitality sales representative, working with key accounts and retail stores along with hundreds of New York City Design and Architectural firms. Russ commented: “I am excited and honored to join the board. I’m really looking forward to see what I can add and bring to this great organization.”

Deb Swisher serves Creative Co-op as National Sales Manager of the Bloomingville brand, one of the top decorative accessory brands in the European market now expanding into the U.S. market. Her career in the gift and home industry began over three decades ago at an independently owned Hallmark Store in Lincoln, Nebraska, first as an assistant manager and then as store manager role and assistant buyer. In 2001, Deb began in wholesale as a sales representative with CBK, and in 2003 was promoted to National Sales Trainer followed by Regional Vice President. Following CBK’s merger with Midwest and Colonial Candle in 2009, she jumped back into the field as a Senior Sales Executive. In 2012, she became director of sales at Langley Empire Candle pioneering the Boulevard Brand and starting the Hallmark Exclusive brand Crafter’s and CO. Deb says that she is “happy and honored to be part of this fantastic organization! Looking forward to meeting everyone I have not had the pleasure to cross paths with yet.”

Chad Howard is vice president of strategic partnerships for Sanger & Eby, a strategic design and development agency that works with a range of companies including retailers such as Barneys, Bloomingdales and Macys. Previously he served as the vice president of sales and marketing for Up With Paper/UWP LUXE. Prior to Up With Paper, Chad led business development for POSSIBLE Worldwide, one of the world’s largest digital agencies working with corporations like P&G, Coca-Cola, BMW & GE. Prior to POSSIBLE, Chad spent 7 years leading business development and public relations for luxury online and catalog retailer FRONTGATE where he built partnerships with brands like Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Lexus, Net Jets, FIJI Water & Hearst Publications. Chad comments: “It’s truly an honor to be included among such a dynamic board of talented and passionate leaders in our industry. I’m very excited to roll my sleeves up and start work hard to raise awareness around our cause!”

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/07/11/gift-for-life-adds-four-to-board-of-directors/feed/0Gift For Life Unveils New Ad Campaign, Supporter Buttonhttp://www.giftforlife.org/2017/06/20/gift-for-life-unveils-new-ad-campaign-supporter-button/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/06/20/gift-for-life-unveils-new-ad-campaign-supporter-button/#respondTue, 20 Jun 2017 20:41:40 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1221Gift For Life recently unveiled its new ad campaign, created by Whereoware. The ads, which feature the faces and company names of Gift For Life’s strong community of industry supporters, will run through 2017 and 2018 in upcoming issues of industry publications and directories that are donating space to support the organization.

The series will feature regular updates, ultimately to include all of Gift For Life’s supporters in print ads during the campaign. Whereoware donated its resources to create the campaign.

In addition, all Gift For Life supporters are invited to post “Join us in supporting Gift For Life” buttons on their websites. The buttons were created by NY NOW to help Gift For Life supporters generate additional visibility and awareness. Please use the button graphic below and link it to www.giftforlife.org when posting to your website.

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/06/20/gift-for-life-unveils-new-ad-campaign-supporter-button/feed/0Las Vegas Market to host Gift for Life fundraiserhttp://www.giftforlife.org/2017/06/12/las-vegas-market-to-host-gift-for-life-fundraiser/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/06/12/las-vegas-market-to-host-gift-for-life-fundraiser/#respondMon, 12 Jun 2017 20:35:42 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1212Las Vegas Market announced today that it will host its 7th annual “Up on the Roof” fundraiser benefiting Gift For Life, the sole national charitable organization for the gift, stationery and home décor industries, on Monday, July 31, 2017, during the Summer 2017 Las Vegas Market, July 30-August 3, 2017. Tickets for the event, which include special entertainment, a Las Vegas-themed silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, cost $25 each, or $100 for five.

“Since 2000, Las Vegas Market’s annual “Up on the Roof” events have raised some $70,000 for Gift for Life and we are proud that these funds have helped DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) to fund HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, education and advocacy,” said Dorothy Belshaw, president of Gift Leasing and Chief Marketing Officer, International Market Centers. “As the fastest growing gift and home décor market in the U.S. and the leading furniture marketplace in the western United States, Las Vegas Market is whole-heartedly committed to bringing the industry together for this purpose.”

Held annually at the Summer Market, this fun and festive event brings 300+ industry representatives together to eat, drink, dance, network and raise funds for the industry’s charity. This year’s event boasts a spectacular selection of Las Vegas-themed silent auction items, including tickets to see celebrity magicians Penn & Teller, hotel giveaways, dinners, spa packages, show tickets and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Party-goers will enjoy a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, the silent auction and entertainment by award-winning singer/songwriter Chadwick Johnson, known for his soulful, unique interpretations of popular songs, as well as his original compositions.

The 2017 will be held on Monday, July 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the WorldView Ballroom on the 16th Floor of Building B. Tickets, which cost $25 each, may be purchased online at https://upontheroof.splashthat.com/, and at specially-designated kiosks on site in the Grand Plaza, C10 and in the Pavilions during Las Vegas Market. Las Vegas Market is offering an exclusive ticket incentive this year: purchasers receive a fifth ticket free with every four tickets purchased (five tickets for $100). All funds raised—through ticket sales and silent auction—will benefit Gift for Life and its beneficiary DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.)

Las Vegas Market is the nation’s fastest growing gift and home décor market and the leading furniture marketplace in the western U.S., presenting 4,000+ gift, home décor and furniture resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market features thousands of gift, furniture and home décor lines, allowing for cross-category commerce among these industries. The Summer 2017 Las Vegas Market runs July 30-August 3, 2017. For more information, visit www.lasvegasmarket.com.

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/06/12/las-vegas-market-to-host-gift-for-life-fundraiser/feed/0Gift for Life Announces New Board Leadershiphttp://www.giftforlife.org/2017/03/30/gift-for-life-announces-new-board-leadership/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/03/30/gift-for-life-announces-new-board-leadership/#respondThu, 30 Mar 2017 16:05:11 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1164March 30, 2017 — Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charitable organization, announced today a transition in leadership, effective immediately, following the election of new officers. George Kacic takes over as chair of the board, replacing Frank Joens who served in the role since 2015; and Matt Katzenson is the newly elected vice chair.

George Kacic is executive vice president of Retail Services at AmericasMart Atlanta. He is responsible for the direction and execution of all retail and design outreach and engagement programming supporting AmericasMart’s 16 annual markets with a primary concentration on key accounts, buying groups and professional organizations. Kacic served as vice chair of Gift for Life from 2015-2017 and has been a board member since 2010.

Matt Katzenson is founder and CEO of Fine Lines, a manufacturer’s rep agency that manages business in the 13 U.S. western states. In addition to his role as vice chair, Katzenson also is co-manages Gift for Life’s Cause Marketing committee. Katzenson, who has been a board member since 2013, will become chair of the board in 2019, when Kacic’s term as chair expires.

“It is both an honor and challenge for me to help guide Gift for Life’s next 25 years of service to humanity,” said Kacic. “The talent, vision and passion present in the Gift for Life Board is unprecedented, and I certainly welcome this opportunity to lead that charge.” Kacic also added special thanks to outgoing chair Frank Joens for his amazing service and dedication.

Gift for Life unites the gift and home industries against AIDS with more than $5 million raised since its inception in 1992. In 2008, Gift for Life selected DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., as its main charity partner. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $40 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org and at www.diffa.org.

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/03/30/gift-for-life-announces-new-board-leadership/feed/0Gift For Life, National Stationery Show Team Up for 6th AIDS Walk New York Partnershiphttp://www.giftforlife.org/2017/03/06/gift-for-life-national-stationery-show-team-up-for-6th-aids-walk-new-york-partnership/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/03/06/gift-for-life-national-stationery-show-team-up-for-6th-aids-walk-new-york-partnership/#respondMon, 06 Mar 2017 18:50:10 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1151March 6, 2017 — For the sixth consecutive year, Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ sole national charitable organization, has partnered with the National Stationery Show to participate in AIDS Walk New York, a charity fundraiser in New York City on Sunday, May 21 – the opening day of the Show. The Gift For Life/National Stationery Show team will recruit walkers to raise funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS by participating in both the actual 10K course that starts and ends at Central Park as well as in a “virtual walk” through the aisles of the Show, which runs May 21-24, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Over the last five years of collaboration, the Gift for Life/NSS team has raised more than $115,000 for GMHC, the beneficiary of AIDS Walk New York. For the last three years, the team has been recognized with “GOLD Team” status, which is bestowed upon the top 20 fundraising teams from each year. Their total donations include a generous $5,000 matching grant from Gift For Life’s beneficiary, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. With DIFFA on board again with another $5,000 matching grant, the team has set a fundraising goal of $40,000 for 2017.

“We’re pleased to bring the Walk into the National Stationery Show and to involve exhibitors and attendees directly in our fundraising efforts again this year,” said Kelly P. Bristol, NSS Director. “Gift for Life was founded at the National Stationery Show, and I am extremely proud of our association with this wonderful group of industry colleagues and friends, as well as this important cause, which is close to my heart.”

Industry members and friends are invited to join the Gift For Life/National Stationery team as both walkers and/or as donors. The 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) AIDS Walk New York begins on Sunday, May 21, at 10amin Central Park, or at 9am at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center when the National Stationery Show opens its doors.

“For five years we have consistently – and in fact exponentially – increased the amount of money we have raised for this worthy cause,” said Su Hilty, Gift for Life/NSS team co-captain and honorary GFL Board member. “With the help of my co-captain, Caroline Kennedy, and the stationery industry’s support, we hope to meet our 2017 fundraising goal of $40,000!”

Now in its 32nd year, AIDS Walk New York has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $150 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event remain a vital lifeline sustaining the prevention, care, and advocacy programs GMHC provides for the thousands of men, women, and families affected by the disease in the tri-state area. The proceeds also benefit dozens of other HIV/AIDS service organizations that are able to participate as teams and raise funds through the Community Partnership Program (CPP). For more information, visit www.aidswalk.net/newyork.

The National Stationery Show® is the only North American trade show for global buyers and sellers of specialty paper products – from greeting cards, custom invitations, announcements, gift wrap, calendars, and journals, to lifestyle gifts, such as candles, toys, personal care, travel gadgets and more. More than 10,000 total industry professionals come from 48 states and 77 countries to source product from the 800 exhibiting companies. Some 200 exhibitors stage their debut at each show, many in #fresh, a juried section of companies of 1-5 years in business. Another dedicated section of the show, The Supply Side, features exceptional production and finishing services for stationery and gift companies – including paper, converting, engraving, die-cutting, printing, packaging finishing etc. The Show is co-located with SURTEX, the premier event for sourcing original art and design, and ICFF. The NSS has been an integral part of the industry it serves for more than 70 years. For additional information and registration, visit www.nationalstationeryshow.com.

ABOUT GIFT FOR LIFE and DIFFA

Gift for Life unites the gift and home industries against AIDS with more than $5 million raised since its inception in 1992. In 2008, Gift for Life selected DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., as its sole charity partner. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $40 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org and at www.diffa.org.

ABOUT GMHC

GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported, and community-based organization which provides prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City. GMHC advocates for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide. For information, visit gmhc.org.

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/03/06/gift-for-life-national-stationery-show-team-up-for-6th-aids-walk-new-york-partnership/feed/0Gift for Life’s Party for Life Raises $225,000+http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/02/14/gift-for-lifes-party-for-life-raises-225000/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/02/14/gift-for-lifes-party-for-life-raises-225000/#respondTue, 14 Feb 2017 19:19:58 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1136February 14, 2017 — Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charitable organization, announced that its 25th Anniversary Party for Life fundraiser raised $225,000+ for AIDS treatment and prevention. The annual event, which benefitted DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, drew a record 500+ attendees to The Boathouse in New York City’s Central Park on Monday, February 6.

The Party for Life featured numerous NYC-themed food stations, multiple bars and a short program followed by live entertainment. In addition to networking, guests also competed for a wide array of silent auction prizes including luxury experiences and unique gift and home décor products donated by 40+ leading suppliers.

During this very special evening, Jan van der Lande of Kikkerland Designs was presented with the Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award. Some 20+ of Gift for Life’s previous honorees also were in attendance at the 25th anniversary celebration. An online photo gallery, with images of the honoree award presentation and general party images, is available online at: http://www.giftforlife.org/media-room/gallery-archive/.

“Our 25th Anniversary Party for Life was the biggest and best it has ever been,” says Frank Joens, Gift for Life’s chair. “We raised more money, had better attendance and produced a party that has been reviewed as sensational! We are so fortunate to have the backing of the wholesale Gift, Home and Design industry as they have been unbelievably generous to us over the past 25 years. This year was no exception and we say a huge thank you to all of our supporters!”

Gift for Life raises funds to benefit DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. The primary mission of Gift for Life is to raise funds for DIFFA-granted HIV/AIDS service, education, prevention and advocacy programs across the U.S. In 2016, DIFFA National granted more than $333,000 to 26 organizations providing treatment, education, prevention and advocacy.

]]>http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/02/14/gift-for-lifes-party-for-life-raises-225000/feed/0Must-Bid Auction Items Announced for Party for Lifehttp://www.giftforlife.org/2017/01/31/must-bid-auction-items-announced-for-party-for-life/
http://www.giftforlife.org/2017/01/31/must-bid-auction-items-announced-for-party-for-life/#respondTue, 31 Jan 2017 18:46:48 +0000http://www.giftforlife.org/?p=1043Jan. 31, 2017 – Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ charitable organization, announced today that more than 40 auction items – including luxury experiences and unique gift and home décor products donated by leading suppliers – will be offered during the 25th annual Party For Life on Monday, February 6, in New York City. The auction items are available for pre-event online bidding beginning this week at http://www.pfl25.org/lite-ui/#lots?category=All%20Lots

Among the notable auction prizes are a Simon G diamond ring, pearl earrings, business consultations, wardrobe/interior consultations, a New York Jets signed football, and a private wine tasting for ten in Napa. A number of fabulous gift and home décor items also have been donated for auction by leading industry suppliers including AmericasMart, Areaware, baggallini, Bungalow 5, Dallas Market Center, Fiorentina, Harry Barker, HomArt, Jonathan Adler, Michael Aram, MZ Wallace, Parlour, Ralph Lauren, Rolf Glass, Spartina 449, Stonewall Kitchen, UMBRA and Worlds Away. (NOTE: Product photos available upon request.)

“The 25th Anniversary Party for Life is gearing up to be and fantastic party and most likely our best event yet,” said Frank Joens, Gift for Life, Chair. “The silent auction is going to be outstanding this year and I am very grateful that the industry’s leading suppliers have been incredibly generous with their sponsorships and their support through auction prize donations. Our secure online auction system makes it easy not only to preview prizes but also to start bidding on favorite items. This is going to be a dazzling anniversary celebration!”

Make plans now to attend The Boathouse in New York City’s Central Park. During this fun and festive evening, Jan van der Lande of Kikkerland Design will be awarded Gift for Life’s Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award. Individual tickets are $125, and sponsorships ranging from $500 through $25,000 are available. To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit www.giftforlife.org/participate or contact Steven Williams at swilliams@diffa.org, (212) 727-3100.

Gift for Life raises funds to benefit DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. The primary mission of Gift for Life is to raise funds for DIFFA-granted HIV/AIDS service, education, prevention and advocacy programs across the U.S. In 2016, DIFFA National granted more than $333,000 to 26 organizations providing treatment, education, prevention and advocacy.